This Mumbai duo has created eco-friendly, handmade colouring books for adults

The duo has designed over 10 types of books for the launch; (right) The colour by number books follow solid storylines

Have you, as a child, been told off each time you came across a colourful book or collectibles that you instantly wanted to buy? "Zyada kich kich mat kar," would be the typical remark by mothers, admonishing children about the unnecessary expense. Drawing inspiration from those memories of their childhood, 24-year-old Grant Road-based friends Vidhi Dujodwala and Tanushi Shah will begin their new venture this weekend, that as the co-founders say, aims at "Kich kich karo!"

Dujodwala is a creative writer while Shah is a graphic designer. The duo wanted to promote the flow of creativity among children and adults alike, and hence founded Kich Kich, a platform that will launch its first range of handmade and handcrafted art and creativity books on July 22. "Our target audience is between 20 and 30 years old. That said, our books are designed in a way that it will engage patrons belonging to any age group," Dujodwala says.

Tanushi Shah and Vidhi Dujodwala

They have currently designed products including sketching books, colour contrasting notebooks, mini books and paint by number/colouring books. Each page is conceptualised and handmade by them using sustainable, eco-friendly products. "There are many colouring books for adults but most have intricate designs and huge pages that many people may never be able to finish. These books are meant to calm you down," Shah explains, claiming that their books are not only easy to follow but also have other interesting plots and storylines written by them that are clipped to each page. The sketching books have unique prompts - redesign the cover page of the book you recently read, for instance - to help the user overcome the artist's blocks. "Since, it will only be the two of us designing and creating each of these books from scratch, the stock will be limited and exclusive. We will continue to sell until at least 150 of the 10 to 12 types of books that we've currently designed are sold. Then, we will move on to designing a fresh batch," Dujodwala adds.

The duo have collaborated with women from a Parel-based NGO, Signature Foundation, who will use their weaving skills and creativity to handcraft the packaging of their books. "This is our way of giving back to the community," they maintain.

In an attempt to connect with the community they will also be catering to, they have hosted a Stamp & Zine workshop tomorrow (July 21). Here, interested particpants will create collaborative zines using stamps and drawing.

On July 21, 5 pm to 8 pm (workshop); July 22, 12.30 pm to 10 pm (launch)
At Greenr Cafe, 57 A, Dr Ambedkar Road, Bandra West.
Log on to @kichkich.bytv
Cost Rs 600 (for the workshop)